A forum entitled ‘What is the Human Cost of Peace’ marked Sydney’s first public showing of The Imam and the Pastor on June 20th.

Held at the Castle Grand Function Centre in Castle Hill, the occasion was funded by Baulkham Hills Shire Council and sponsored by the Hills Interfaith Dialogue Group and the Baulkham Hills Shire Council. The program included David Vincent and Ahmed Gillanie from the Sudanese Youth for Reconciliation and Hope, who told their stories of becoming peace makers, starting with themselves, and building bridges between the northern and southern Sudanese in Melbourne. People were invited to make a donation towards their group and the plans they have of ‘outreaching’ back in Sudan.

Lively round-table discussions about the relevance of the film and the speakers to that region of Sydney ensued. It was agreed that ideas which emerged from the audience will be brainstormed further at another meeting in the future. The Mayor of Baulkham Hills bought a copy of the DVD for use in youth training programs. One of the leaders of the Annangrove Shia Prayer Centre is ordering 10 copies.